What is it?

Despite only appearing in 2008, the current Toyota Avensis was arguably in dire need of a mid-life makeover. Toyota’s workhorse has slipped briskly down the pecking order in the last couple of years as its competition drastically improved on the stock saloon and estate formula.

That fact has not escaped the world’s biggest manufacturer. In an effort to return its British-built car to the head of the D-segment, Toyota’s European division has treated the Avensis to a wide range of detailed changes, including the introduction of a new design direction – dubbed ‘keen look’ – which is tipped to reappear in future EU-developed models.

Inside, the refresh introduces plusher trim materials, a better standard equipment (including the company’s new Touch and Go satnav and infotainment system) and improved insulation. Underneath, Toyota Europe has had to work within the constraints of the existing hardware – a thicker rear anti-roll bar and a revised steering gear ratio are the exceptions – but it insists that increased rigidity, underfloor aerodynamic improvements and a retuned suspension system help it to deliver better dynamics and comfort.

Perhaps the most significant modification occurs in the engine bay where the best-selling 2.0-litre D4-D has received a number of tweaks including a new turbocharger that delivers the same 228lb ft as before, but at lower revs. More importantly – particularly for business users – is the news that four-cylinder unit is now capable of a Passat Bluemotion-rivalling 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km (120g/km for the estate model tested here).

What’s it like?

Still disappointingly off the pace. Clearly this wide-ranging facelift had limited room for maneouver in terms of implementing substantial alterations, but the result is an insubstantial enhancement which proves unsuccessful in its bid to lift the Avensis much beyond its lowly standing.

Styling adjustments to the grille, bumper and headlights are actually moderately successful in a subtle way, and the car remains well-proportioned (particularly as a wagon), but its rear is as anonymous as charity shop window and in clear need of a rethink which goes beyond adding chrome-effect trim to the number plate.

The underwhelming theme continues inside, where the 6.1-inch screen of the new Touch and Go system (standard on the mid-spec TR version we drove) adds a bit of technological panache to the muted centre console, but ultimately metallic flourishes on the air vents and soft touch fascia on the dashboard fail to transform a fundamentally stale cabin into a truly inviting one.

Toyota’s mechanical endeavor hasn’t rendered much of a dynamic boost either. Attempts to alleviate the Avensis’s poor body control have resulted in a stiffer sense of composure, particularly at the rear end, but the car’s benign, predictable handling still struggles to generate an enduring sense of agility or directness - even with a marginally quicker, more fluid steering rack.

The torpor is not helped by the updated diesel engine. It’s new economy figures are an admirable effort, but they are intangible elements that pale into insignificance when confronted with the Avensis’s patent power deficiency. Although 62mph may appear in a fairly conventional 10 seconds, the car struggles to deliver enough of the easy-to-live-with mid-range thrust that diesel buyers have become accustomed to, and its guttural presence under load will only sound reasonable to return buyers subjected to the previous incarnation, which was about as refined as trench warfare.

Should I buy one?

Even with only the marginal improvements taken into consideration, it’s hard to recommend the Avensis over any of its major rivals. In blunt terms the model delivers the space, standard kit, build quality and economy figures to compete, but as a package it falls well short of the grade that the Passat, Mondeo, Insignia, Octavia and now i40 have established as the D-segment yardstick.

Under Toyota’s new global strategy its European division has been handed far greater autonomy to develop its own models, but it will have to do considerably better than this flaccid reheat if it hopes to challenge for class honours again.

And another car that after a few turns of a screwdriver just happens to hit the magical 119 and 120 g/km Co2 - amazing eh?. Anyone know a car on sale which emits 117 or 118 g/km? or am I just being my sceptical self again?

I have to say Autocar are being rather harsh here. This was never aimed at driving enthusiasts, just people who want to get from A to B without issue.

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I agree. This car isn't designed to be a sportscar.

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Exactly. I looked at one of these lately, though ended up buying an Octavia. My daily drive involves pot holed urban roads and stressful congested motorways, not the Nurbergring. Nothing to reward driving a sporty or dynamic car that just shudders over every bump - but perfect for a smooth relaxing car like this. I think the previous Avensis still looked rather smart.

I have had two of these with the 2.2 Diesel engine. The first was written off by a Transit that neglected to stop at a red traffic light pushing it into the Range Rover stopped in front of me at more than 30 MPH. Self, wife and 2 kids unhurt apart from a small scratch from broken glass.

Its replacement giving no trouble at all for 18 months and 66,000 miles.